Following the ongoing publication of the complete works of Marx ( MEGA: Marx -Engels -Gesamtausgabe), some previously unknown aspects of his philosophical thought have clearly emerged – aspects that could only previously be intuited. In particular, it is now indisputable that Marx's theoretical framework is not monolithic or linear, but has undergone significant transformation over time, taking innovative and unexpected paths. This complexity also refutes some criticisms levelled at Marx, such as those concerning ethnocentrism and his naive concept of cumulative progress in history. This renewed perspective on these two aspects is particularly interesting for those studying ancient societies, as it restores two historically important tools of materialism with renewed relevance: the use of comparison as a heuristic and political tool to find different practical solutions to organise a more fair society over time and space, and the ability to rethink 'time' and 'history' in other 'dimensions'. Finally, Marx's gradual loss of focus on the primacy of production becomes clearer, while the contradiction between a given society in time and space — or socio-economic formation — and the appropriation of nature takes centre stage in his theoretical discourse. In other words, Marx's ecosocialism emerges, adding the natural environment as a new element to historical configurations. This unprecedented recomposition of nature and culture makes Marx tremendously relevant within the contemporary debate on the ontological turn in historical disciplines. These configurations, which could be termed 'socio-ecological formations', are more dynamic and versatile than the concepts of 'mode of production' or 'socio-economic formation'. They allow us to reconsider historical changes in ancient societies in a denser and more meaningful way. This is a tool yet to be tested, which could give a different rhythm to our narratives. This contribution aims to explore some of the theoretical, historical, and disciplinary consequences for archaeology.
Monti et al. (Wed,) studied this question.